Stress: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain, triggered by a perceived threat or demand, that can disrupt an individual's physical and emotional well-being.

Common causes of stress include work-related pressures, financial struggles, relationships issues, and health problems. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. To alleviate stress, herbal remedies such as ashwagandha, lavender, and chamomile can be used in teas, tinctures, or capsules.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate certain health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of stress, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of stress?

The main causes of stress are multifaceted and can be attributed to various factors.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 66% of adults reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches and muscle tension, due to work-related stress and financial difficulties. Chronic stress is also linked to the release of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the body's natural balance and lead to anxiety and depression. Research by the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that 70% of Americans experience stress related to major life events, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or a serious illness.

Furthermore, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who work long hours, over 50 hours per week, are 43% more likely to experience stress and burnout.

• Financial Problems: Financial problems are a leading cause of stress due to the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with not being able to afford basic needs, pay bills, or achieve long-term financial goals, leading to feelings of insecurity and powerlessness.
• Work-Related Issues: Work-related issues, such as long working hours, lack of job security, and poor working conditions, can cause significant stress due to the pressure to perform, fear of job loss, and limited control over work environment.
• Relationship Problems: Relationship problems, including conflicts with family members, romantic partners, or friends, can cause stress due to the emotional turmoil, feelings of abandonment, and uncertainty about the future of the relationship.
• Health Concerns: Health concerns, such as chronic illness, injury, or mental health issues, can cause stress due to the physical and emotional discomfort, fear of illness progression, and impact on daily life and relationships.
• Time Management: Poor time management and feeling overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities can cause stress due to the pressure to meet deadlines, complete tasks, and balance multiple roles, leading to feelings of burnout and exhaustion.
• Major Life Changes: Major life changes, such as moving, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, can cause stress due to the uncertainty, emotional turmoil, and adjustment to new circumstances.
• Bullying: Bullying, whether in person, online, or at work, can cause stress due to the feelings of vulnerability, fear, and powerlessness, as well as the impact on mental and physical health.
• Academic Pressure: Academic pressure, particularly in high-stakes environments such as university or medical school, can cause stress due to the fear of failure, pressure to meet expectations, and limited control over the learning environment.
• Social Media: Social media can cause stress due to the comparison to others, fear of missing out, and pressure to present a perfect online image, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires, can cause stress due to the uncertainty, fear of injury or loss, and impact on daily life and community resources.
• Traffic and Commuting: Traffic and commuting issues can cause stress due to the frustration, time wasted, and impact on mental and physical health, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic and long commute times.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for stress?

The main medicinal herbs used for stress are Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Zingiber officinale, Panax ginseng, Melissa officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, and Withania somnifera.

Valeriana officinalis contains valerenic acid which has been shown to bind to GABA receptors, exerting a sedative effect on the nervous system. Passiflora incarnata has been found to contain flavonoids and alkaloids which have anxiolytic properties by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has been demonstrated to have a calming effect due to its linalool content, which interacts with the brain's limbic system to reduce stress and anxiety.

Ginkgo biloba, along with other herbs like Avena sativa, Zingiber officinale, Panax ginseng, Melissa officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, and Withania somnifera, have been traditionally used to enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and reduce stress by influencing neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain.

• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative properties, which are attributed to the valerenic acid and isovaleric acid found in the plant.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation due to its flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which interact with the GABA receptor in the brain to produce a calming effect.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its essential oil, which contains linalool and linalyl acetate, that interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with stress, but its flavonoids and bilobalide may improve mood and reduce anxiety by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving cognitive function.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its flavonoids, which interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect and also by reducing cortisol levels in the body.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with stress by improving mood and reducing anxiety through its ginsenosides, which may improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and interacts with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its flavonoids and hyperforin, which interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect and also by reducing cortisol levels in the body.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its withanolides, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and interact with the GABA receptor to produce a calming effect, and also by reducing cortisol levels in the body.

What are the main herbal preparations used for stress?

The main herbal preparations used for stress are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Tea, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Elixir, Gel, Lozenge.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs which can be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes, providing fast relief from stress. Decoction is a liquid extract of herbs made by boiling them in water, often used for roots and bark, which can help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Capsule, Tea, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Elixir, Gel, and Lozenge preparations are also used for stress relief by delivering the herbal extracts in a variety of forms, such as oral ingestion, topical application, or rectal insertion, each with its own unique bioavailability and onset of action.

These herbal preparations are used for stress relief due to their ability to interact with the body's neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving mood.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the root of the valerian plant (Valeriana officinalis) helps with stress by promoting relaxation through its sedative properties, which can reduce anxiety and promote better sleep quality.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the passionflower plant (Passiflora incarnata) helps with stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation due to its flavonoids and alkaloids, which have a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the ashwagandha plant (Withania somnifera) helps with stress by reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation due to its adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its linalool content, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Salve: A salve made from the flowers of the chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its apigenin content, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of the ginseng plant (Panax ginseng) helps with stress by reducing fatigue and promoting relaxation due to its ginsenosides content, which have adaptogenic properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the calendula plant (Calendula officinalis) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its triterpenoids content, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the roots of the valerian plant (Valeriana officinalis) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its valerenic acid content, which has a sedative effect on the nervous system.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the aloe vera plant (Aloe barbadensis) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its aloin content, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the extract of the licorice root plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with stress by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety due to its glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.